Brazil

The Problem

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. It is also one of the most threatened. Due largely to ranching, agriculture and urban expansion, its forest cover has been severely degraded in recent decades, and today only 12 percent of this iconic forest remains.

Brazil’s Cerrado Forest is home to over 10,000 plant species and more than 1,300 vertebrates, 340 of which have only been discovered in the last decade. It also houses several headwaters of important river basins. This essential ecosystem is under immediate threat from expansion of the production of agricultural commodities, including soy bean, maize and cotton.

The Nature Conservancy is working to promote large scale restoration in these two crucial forests – essential not only to the survival of a vast array of plant and animal species, but also to the people of Brazil – providing carbon sequestration, storage and filtering of water, protection against floods and economic opportunities to local communities.

Without these important habitats, 130 million people in Brazil will be without clean water and hydro-energy, and all of us will lose a vital climate regulator for our planet. We need your help now to protect the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado before they degrade even further.

How You Can Help

You can help restore health and vitality to the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado by planting new trees and helping damaged areas to regrow naturally.

Never before has such a large-scale restoration effort been so within the world’s reach. Together we can restore these endangered habitats. Together we can plant roots for tomorrow.

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Today, only 7 percent of the Atlantic Forest remains, and the Cerrado is increasingly threatened. Preserving what is left is a critical global conservation priority.

Use our map to learn about the people and animals of the forest.

Help Protect Brazil’s Forests

Development along the coast, encroaching cities, illegal logging and the spread of agriculture have all led to the decline of the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Help us Plant a Billion and ensure these forests remain for people and nature.

Help Protect Sources of Fresh Water

The Cerrado – home to the most important fresh water sources for the people of Brazil – is at risk from increased development. Without the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, 130 billion people in Brazil will be without clean water and hydro-energy.

Help Stabilize the World’s Climate

The Atlantic Forest – one of the biggest tropical forests in the world – and the Cerrado hold vast amounts of carbon dioxide and act as a cooling system for the Earth; they help stabilize the global climate and fight climate change.

Support Brazil’s People and Nature

Forests are essential to the livelihood and cultures of people around the world. The Atlantic Forest alone is home to an extraordinary array of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Our efforts help stop deforestation across Brazil. Donate today and help us Plant a Billion Trees.